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As I just happen to be a huge fan of hip hop music, Megaman and Mega-Ran. I decided that it would be a good idea to do a Q and A interview with Mega-Ran. Well, done and said! So we talked about everything from today´s music, hip hop, tour plans to video game memories.

Robin TGG
How did the Black Materia: vinyl album happen? And how has the response been so far?

Mega-Ran
I get an email probably once a day from someone asking to put Black Materia onto vinyl and I always thought it was way too expensive, and time-consuming to put that much energy into re-releasing an older album, no matter how popular it was… but then The Yetee came along and introduced me to Marc, aka RX23 and he put some amazing new touches on the tracks and made them sound new again. That clinched it for me.

So far it’s been a MASSIVE success. We sold out of the limited white versions, and have been talking about a reprint.

The “Black materia” vinyl album sold out in the blink of an eye. However, the album “might” get reprinted in the sometime in the future.

Robin TGG
What´s your take on today´s music industry and music in general? Personally, I haven´t watched MTV nor listened to radio for years (in my opinion, both mediums died in the early 90s). Because I get my kicks from the indie and underground scene (where the REAL talent is found).

Mega-Ran
It’s better and worse than ever today. I don’t watch MTV or listen to the radio either, but honestly they’re not for us. We have smart internet radio stations that know what we like, and smart friends who post cool new stuff on their Facebook. It’s easier than ever to find new and interesting music without it being force-fed down your throat.

Believe it or not, but Mega-Ran was once a history and reading teacher for 7th graders in Phoenix, Arizona (US).

Robin TGG
I´m somewhat curious to know how you went from being a teacher to becoming a well-known video game rapper/remixer? I mean, how did that transformation happen? And where you a fair but hard teacher? And what did you teach?

Mega-Ran
I taught 7th grade reading and history, and all the while at night I wrote rap songs, and remixed video game music. One day, in 2011 when the Black Materia album picked up steam, I was asked to fly out to play a convention and I enjoyed it, so much so that I was determined to try to make that my career. And here I am now. I was a mean teacher. Firm but fair was my method. You have to be with teenagers.

Mega-Ran loves both the “Final Fantasy” and “Megaman” series.

Robin TGG
What´s your story with the Mega-Man and Final Fantasy series? And have you been a fan since day one? And what do you think about those series today?

Mega-Ran
Absolutely. Mega Man and Final Fantasy were favorites of mine since the NES, I have Nintendo Power to thank for those. Today they’ve both got classics that are still fun to play, and yet both of them leave me scratching my head at times, mainly about what they’re doing. But FF15 looks really cool.

Mega-Ran wish that he could bring back 2Pac from the dead.

Robin TGG
If you could bring back any rapper, you wanted from the dead. Then who would it be and why?

Mega-Ran
Aw man. I’d say 2Pac, because I think he had the most world-changing potential. If he were here now I think his impact would’ve been felt beyond music. Who knows, he could be a US Senator by now. I’d love to have seen his music and mentality progress throughout the years.

Robin TGG
Have you ever had any thoughts about doing a collaboration with Nathan Haskill, Wordburglar or Professor Elemental? (in my opinion, they are talented as hell).

Mega-Ran
Well, a search would let ya know that Wordburglar and I have done at least three collaborations. I’m on “Warp Formula” on his new record and he’s on “Space Defense Team” on mine. Professor Elemental and I also have several collaborations, He’s on “Stroll Down Abbey Road” on an EP we put out last summer. Love those guys.

Cypress Hill is just one of many hip hop acts that Mega-Ran likes.

Robin TGG
Which hip hop mc´s, bands, producers and DJ´s do you like the most? (I´m a huge fan of Cypress Hill, DJ Lethal, Starscream and DJ Disk).

Mega-Ran
Big fan of LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Lupe Fiasco, Outkast, Run The Jewels, DJ Premier, DJ Shadow, and I also love Starscream and Lethal.

Robin TGG
I take it that you´re a big fan of wrestling since your album “Mat Mania: The Album”, is dedicated to wrestling? So, which wrestlers do you like the most and why?

Mega-Ran
Nah, I hate wrestling, haha. Just kidding, I love it, for better or for worse, I’m hooked. I dig the older 80’s guys like Macho Man, Ricky Steamboat and the rest, but as far as new guys, I really am into Kevin Owens, The New Day, Cesaro, the young guys can go.

Mega-Ran would love to work and tour with both Sammus and Sky-Blue in the future.

Robin TGG
Is there a chance that we “might” get either a song or music video starring you, Sky-Blue and Sammus? And have you guys ever kicked-out the jams live before?

Mega-Ran
Yeah I think so, it’s just a matter of time. Problem is that we live so far apart, but we’ve all toured together so we hit the stage together often. Most memorably was this past January at MAGFest, where I was able to bring out the whole NPC (Nerdy People Of Color) Collective, which is a group of guys and gals who are creative and passionate about what they do, and we want to show other kids of color that it’s okay to be who you are and be proud of it.

The “Bits, Lines and Mics” tour is over for now. However, Mega-Ran will do some other shows around the world this year.

Robin TGG
I just noticed your “The Bits, Lines and Mics Tour (BLAM)” tour, could you perhaps tell us a bit more about the tour? And do you have any plans to tour outside of the States this year?

Mega-Ran
Yeah i’m stoked! We’re playing a combination of traditional bar venues, as well as an anime convention, Fanime Con in San Jose, and even stopping in for the Kinda Funny Live show in San Francisco. So I get to satiate every side of my musical appetite, from hip hop, to VGM to chiptune, and get to do it with some of my best friends and favorite artists.